Former Principal Charged With Drunk Driving in Valrico

The head of the Hillsborough County School District's advanced placement program is facing drunk-driving charges after getting pulled over at the intersection of Lithia-Pinecrest Road and Bloomingdale Avenue.

Eric Bergholm, 51, of 2624 Durant Oaks Dr., Valrico, was arrested for DUI Nov. 22, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. His blood alcohol level was .145 and .142. In Florida, a person is considered to be driving under the influence when the level is 0.08.

Bergholm was released the following day on a $500 surety bond.

Tbo.com reported that Bergholm is a 25-year Hillsborough County employee. He began his career as a biology teacher at Plant City High School before transferring to Turkey Creek Middle School as the lead science teacher. He then served as assistant principal at Sligh Junior High School, Durant High School and Wharton High School before being named principal of Plant High in 2000.

According to CollegeBoard, he served as principal of Plant for seven years before accepting the district position of general director of Advanced Academic Access, the district's advanced placement program, overseeing programs at 70 schools.